Alex Lee has been preparing most of year for this opportunity to represent his country in 2009 Pan American Championship this June in Chicago, Ill. Of all the athletes competing Saturday night in Foster City, California, Alex Lee knows exactly what he needs to do to make the team. When it comes to international team qualification all the athletes are competing against each other but also against a qualifying total. It then comes down to simple math, have a higher percentage total then the next guy and your on the team. Alex will be competing against America’s top 15 lifters only 8 will be picked to the team. Alex knows if he lifts a combined total of 250 kilos (550 lbs) he will bump out two of his competitors and place him on the team. Coach Micela is confident that Alex will hit his marks. “He had a good training cycle and he is in good shape, the rest is up to him and being able to handle the pressure of the moment.” Lifting will start at 6:30 pm and can be seen live on Justin TV enter California Weightlifting Fund to view the site.

Friday night in Foster City, California Team Arizona Weightlifter Sarah Robles made the 7th and final spot on the 2009 Pan Am Women’s Team. Sarah, whom competes in the 75+ kilogram weight class went six for six on the night. In weightlifting terms that is a perfect day completing all six of her given lifts. Sarah finished with a 96 kilo (211 lb) snatch and a 126 kilo (277 lb) clean and jerk for a 222 kilo (488 lb) total. All were competition PRs (Personal Records) for Sarah. Sarah is Team Arizona’s most decorated female or male athlete. With only about a year of training under her belt Sarah has shown that she is going to be a dominate force in the 75+ kilogram weight class. Only three time Olympian Cheryl Haworth stands in Sarah’s way of solidifying her legacy in the sport. For more information on Sarah, Olympic Weightlifting, and training go to our main site at www.performanceone.net or www.teamazweightlifting.org